insideKENT Magazine Issue 57 - December 2016 | Page 20

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

Kent Artist Profile:

LUCY CLAYTON

interview by Lisamarie Lamb

Lucy Clayton is a nostalgic kind of artist. The smell of a summer’s day,
the memory of time spent with family, the feelings she had growing up,
fantastic meals had with loved ones – they all go towards making her the
artist she is today.
How would you describe your art?
My work has a graphic quality and combines
watercolour with printmaking techniques. The
subjects I paint are all connected to personal
memories or experiences. One of my favourite
memories is linked to the painting of the crab.
During our summer holidays my daughter and I
often go rock pooling. One year we found a
beautiful edible crab and she decided to name
it Bernard. From that moment on we have always
gone looking for Bernards. A friend told me that
my work feels like it is a memory of a good day,
represented as a single object. I have never
analysed why I choose my subjects but I like the
fact that they are linked to happiness.

me to the blotted line technique that I currently
use in my work.
What is the most difficult piece you’ve
undertaken?
‘Seafood’ was quite a challenge to complete as
it was so large, and I had to find a way to print
it in sections. Each element begins as a tonal
study that I then transfer onto tracing paper. With
a dip pen and ink I go over the tracing paper in
small sections and then print onto watercolour
paper. It’s a gradual process that gives interesting
and unexpected results that add a texture to my
work.
What is your favourite piece?

What is your background?
I have a degree in textiles and became a lecturer
in art and design. After the birth of our second
child, my husband and I moved from Purley to
Tunbridge Wells where we live with three cats.
Over the last few years, I volunteered at a local
primary school and ran an art club. I also attended
an illustration course at the Adult Education
Centre, taught by Jamie Ogilvie who introduced

‘Seafood’ is one of my favourite pieces as it
combines my interest in sea life and food.
What is it about food that makes it particularly
interesting to work with?
I associate memories of food with celebrations
or spending times with friends or family. I love
the colour, shape and textures of food. I find it

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fascinating how smell and taste affect the memory.
Whilst painting sweets, the smell would transport
me straight back to our local newsagents where
I would spend my weekly pocket money.
What has been your proudest artistic
achievement to date?
Earlier this year I had two pieces of my work
accepted to exhibit at the Society of Graphic Fine
Art Draw16 exhibition at the Menier Gallery. I was
also selected to exhibit at the Kent Painters Group
exhibition at Sevenoaks School.
Where can we see your work?
Dark Water Gallery, Brighton:
www.thedarkwatergallery.com
My Etsy shop:
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LucyClaytonArt
Pantiles Market, Tunbridge Wells 19th November,
4th and 10th December
My website: www.lucyclaytonart.co.uk